Suspension liner with seal component

ABSTRACT

A suspension liner is provided for use as an interface between a residual limb and a prosthetic socket. The liner has an elongate, generally conical liner body formed from at least one material segment that is at least radially elastically extensible from a relaxed non-extended condition and including proximal and distal end areas, and a seal component connected to the liner body and having an exterior surface defining at least one exterior seal protruding from the exterior surface and extending radially outwardly from the seal component relative to a longitudinal axis of the liner body. The at least one interior seal is located along an interior surface of the seal component and defines at least one blade extending obliquely toward the liner body. A portion of the seal component carrying the interior seal extends freely and is movable relative to the liner body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 15/428,427, filed Feb.9, 2017, which claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 14/615,938, filed Feb.6, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,566,175, issued on Feb. 14, 2017, whichclaims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 13/589,415, filed Aug. 20, 2012, nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,956,422, issued on Feb. 17, 2015, which claims thebenefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/526,035,filed on Aug. 22, 2011, the entirety of which is incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to a suspension liner for prosthetic devices,and more particularly to a suspension liner for enveloping a residuallimb and having a seal component for engaging a prosthetic socket.

BACKGROUND

Suspension liner systems are widely used in prosthetic systems forresidual limbs in order to stabilize soft tissue, minimize pistoning orstretching, assist circulation of the residual limb and add comfort.

Various solutions are found in the prior art, including those describedin U.S. Pat. No. 7,025,793, granted on Apr. 11, 2006, and U.S. Pat. No.8,034,120, granted on Oct. 11, 2011, both of which are incorporatedherein by reference. According to these publications, a liner includes aliner body and a seal component located at the distal end area of theliner body. The seal component is flexible so it can conform to theshape of the residual limb and the internal wall of the prostheticsocket, thereby providing an airtight seal. The seal component minimizesmovement of the limb within the socket, so as to prevent pistoning androtation. In operation, the residual limb is stepped into the socket andexpels air through a distal valve on the socket so as to createhypobaric suction below the seal component.

Some users find that known liners having sealing means fail tosufficiently tolerate volume fluctuations, and may leave pressure markson the residual limb after periods of sustained use. Additionalimprovements may be required for some users in that known liners do notadequately conform to the user's anatomy, and therefore fail to providenecessary comfort and skin protection. Moreover, as with all suspensionliners having sealing means, it is necessary that the liner providesreliable suspension after an initial phase of volume and shapeconditioning after the liner is donned on the user's residual limb.

SUMMARY

A suspension liner with a seal component is described herein andprovides a connection and interface between a prosthetic socket andresidual limb. The connection is made by using a suspension liner with aseal so as to create a vacuum to suspend the residual limb to thesocket. The suspension liner removes the need for a distal pin that iscommonly employed in suspension liners and is used to couple to a hard,prosthetic socket and other prosthetic leg components. Moreover, becausethe seal is formed by the suspension liner itself, a sleeve of anexemplary type discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,592,539, granted Jul. 15,2003 and incorporated herein by reference, is not required to seal theliner to the socket.

The suspension liner with a seal component has at least the benefits ofmitigating distal pistoning from a distal pin. There is no restrictionover the knee of the wearer to any sleeve. Therefore, the suspensionliner with a seal component provides a reliable suspension withoutdistal attachments or suspension sleeves.

Due to the particular liner and seal component embodiments discussed,herein the suspension liner provides a secure connection over varyingresidual limb volumes between the socket and the residual limb. Also,the liner and seal component embodiments provide a comfortableconnection between the socket and the limb by reducing noticeablepressure marks.

According to an embodiment, the suspension liner includes an elongate,generally conical liner body formed from at least one material segmentthat is at least radially elastically extensible from a relaxednon-extended condition and including proximal and distal end areas, anda seal component connected to the liner body. The seal component has atleast one exterior configuration for engaging a prosthetic socket and atleast one interior configuration for movably engaging the liner body.

The exterior configuration may be arranged to have at least one sealthat protrudes radially outwardly from an exterior surface of the sealcomponent relative to a longitudinal axis of the liner body.

The interior configuration may be arranged to protrude inwardly towardthe liner body, and may be yet further arranged to extend at an obliqueangle relative to the longitudinal axis of the liner body. In avariation, the interior configuration defines at least one bladeextending obliquely toward the liner body. The blade may taper towardits distal and proximal ends along a segment of the length of the linerbody, such as tapering in thickness from an interior wall of the sealcomponent toward the liner body exterior surface.

A portion of the seal component carrying the interior configurationextends freely and movable relative to the liner body.

In a variation of the interior configuration of the seal component, theseal component defines an inwardly pitched portion at the proximal endthereof and directed toward the liner body exterior surface.

In another variation, the interior configuration defines at least oneblade extending toward the liner body with the blade being bounded by anoutwardly pitched portion of the interior configuration located near adistal end of the seal component and an inwardly pitched portion at theproximal end of the seal component and directed toward the liner bodyexterior surface.

The seal component may define a base portion circumferentially securedto an exterior surface of the liner body. The base portion may have anattachment portion entirely secured to the exterior surface of the linerbody, with the remainder of the seal component outside and proximallylocated relative to the attachment portion extending generally freelyfrom the liner body.

The seal component may define a lip arranged against the liner body; theinterior configuration may be located proximal relative to the lip. Aclearance may be formed between the lip and an outwardly pitched portionof the interior configuration extending from a base portion located at adistal end of the seal component.

In another embodiment, the suspension liner includes an elongate,generally conical liner body formed from at least one material segmentthat is at least radially elastically extensible from a relaxednon-extended condition and including proximal and distal end areas, anda seal component connected to the liner body and having an exteriorsurface for engaging a prosthetic socket and at least one interior seallocated along an interior surface of the seal component and arranged forengaging the liner body. A portion of the seal component carrying theinterior seal extends freely and movable relative to the liner body.

The exterior seal may protrude from the exterior surface and extendradially outwardly from the seal component relative to a longitudinalaxis of the liner body and opposite to the interior seal. The at leastone interior seal can define at least one blade extending obliquelytoward the liner body. The seal component may define a lip arrangedagainst the liner body and the interior seal is located proximalrelative to the lip.

In yet another embodiment, the suspension liner has an elongate,generally conical liner body formed from at least one material segmentthat is at least radially elastically extensible from a relaxednon-extended condition and including proximal and distal end areas, anda seal component connected to the liner body and having an exteriorsurface defining at least one exterior seal protruding from the exteriorsurface and extending radially outwardly from the seal componentrelative to a longitudinal axis of the liner body. The at least oneinterior seal is located along an interior surface of the seal componentand defines at least one blade extending obliquely toward the linerbody. A portion of the seal component carrying the interior seal extendsfreely and movable relative to the liner body.

According to any of the suspension liner embodiments having a sealembodiment, the seal component may be located at various locations alongthe exterior surface of the liner body relative to the proximal anddistal ends. For example, a “high profile” suspension liner may have aseal component which is located 3-6 cm more proximally than aconventional suspension liner with a seal component. This particularconfiguration may be employed for those users that require a moreproximal seal, particularly trans-tibial amputees. By locating the sealcomponent more proximally relative to the liner body, a larger vacuumchamber is created distally of the seal component than in conventionalsuspension liners having a seal component. Moreover, the seal componentmay be located proximal from a sensitive distal end of the residuallimb.

Any of the liner body embodiments described herein may define acircumferential recess arranged to receive a length of the sealcomponent. The seal component may be fixedly secured to the linerwithout permitting adjustment of the location of the seal componentrelative to the liner body, or alternatively the seal component may besecurable over any desirable location of the liner body by a clinician.

The liner body may have a variable thickness. In an exemplaryembodiment, the liner body may have a significantly greater thickness atthe distal end, and gradually taper toward the proximal end. In doingso, a circumferential recess of the liner body may define a reducedthickness region compared to regions adjacently outside thecircumferential recess.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The numerous other advantages, features and functions of embodiments ofa suspension liner will become readily apparent and better understood inview of the following description and accompanying drawings. Thefollowing description is not intended to limit the scope of thesuspension liner, but instead merely provides exemplary embodiments forease of understanding.

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of an embodiment of a suspension linerhaving a seal component.

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the suspension liner without the sealcomponent.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of the suspension liner according to FIG.2.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the seal component according to FIG.1.

FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of the seal component of FIG. 4 takenalong line V-V.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view corresponding to detail VI in FIG. 5.

FIGS. 7A-7E are schematic views showing the donning and doffing of thesuspension liner with a prosthetic socket.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing minimization of the movement of theresidual limb in a socket.

It should be noted that the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn toscale, but instead are drawn to provide a better understanding of thecomponents thereof, and are not intended to be limiting in scope, butrather to provide exemplary illustrations. It should further be notedthat the figures illustrate exemplary configurations of a liner, and inno way limit the structures or configurations of a liner thereofaccording to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

A better understanding of different embodiments of the invention may behad from the following description read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to likeelements.

A. Overview of Suspension Liner Embodiments

In each of the embodiments discussed herein, the suspension liner isintended for use between a residual limb and a prosthesis, such as ahard socket, and to be airtight when donned over a residual stump. Theinternal surface of the liner may be formed of a layer of siliconeelastomer, therefore serving as a skin interface. Silicone isadvantageous in that it allows for different levels and softness andstrength to be incorporated into the liners of the present application.Moreover, silicone permits the addition of selected supplements, such aspetroleum jelly and aloe vera, which improve skin care and comfort.

An elasticity controlling matrix material may be provided on theexterior of the liner, the matrix material preferably being relativelycompliant in a radial direction and substantially rigid or inelastic inan axial direction. The matrix material may extend over the distal orexternal side of the prosthesis, and is advantageous in that it preventsmovement of the liner when a prosthesis is worn thereover.

A liner in accordance with this disclosure may be fabricated in asufficient number of sizes to accommodate various sizes of residuallimbs. In use, a liner of the type described herein is rolled up fromthe proximal to the distal end, placed over the distal end of theresidual stump and rolled back up or “donned” over the stump like astocking. This procedure and the benefits achieved thereby are describedin detail in U.S. Pat. No. 4,923,474, granted on May 8, 1990 andincorporated herein by reference. In addition, any of the liners andsleeves mentioned herein may be constructed in the manner prescribed byU.S. Pat. No. 4,923,474.

The embodiments of the suspension liner of the present application maybe constructed according to the molding methods described in U.S. Pat.No. 6,485,776, granted on Nov. 26, 2002 and the entirety of which isincorporated herein by reference.

B. Specific Embodiments of the Suspension Liner with a Seal Component

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a suspension liner 10 in accordancewith the invention. The liner 10 includes a liner body 12, and a sealcomponent 14 connected to the liner body 12.

The liner body 12 preferably has an elongate, generally conical shape.The liner body 12 defines a longitudinal axis A-A, and includes proximaland distal end portions. The liner body 12 may be formed from at leastone material segment that is at least radially elastically extensiblefrom a relaxed non-extended condition.

As depicted in FIG. 2, the liner body 12 is preferably formed with acircumferential recess 16 for receiving the seal component.Particularly, the recess 16 compensates for the thickness of the sealcomponent in such a manner that the seal component does not extend orsubstantially extend in excess or at all beyond an exterior surface ESof the liner body 12 located outside of regions of the recess 16. Theseal component 14 may be secured against the exterior surface EE of theliner body located within the recess 16. Moreover, another exteriorsurface EEE located within the recess 16 is arranged for receiving aportion of the seal component, the base portion 20 described in FIGS. 4and 5, defines an attachment portion that is adhered or otherwisefastened to the liner body 12.

The liner body 12 forms a proximal beveled circumferential edge 17 at aproximal end portion of the recess, a distal beveled edge 21 at a distalend portion of the recess, and a middle beveled circumferential edge 19located between the proximal and distal end portions of the recess. Thebeveled edges receive portions of the seal component and minimize sharpor harsh edges that may cause discomfort when the residual limb is in asocket with the liner donned.

FIG. 1 generally shows the seal component 14 in a “conventional”location, however as also shown in FIG. 1, the seal component 14′ can belocated more proximal by a distance 23 relative to the liner body. Forexample, the seal component 14′ may be located 3 to 6 cm more proximalthan in the conventional location. This particular configuration may beemployed for those users, particularly trans-tibial amputees thatrequire a more proximal seal. By locating the seal component moreproximal relative to the liner body, a larger vacuum chamber is createddistally of the seal component than in conventional suspension linershaving a seal component. Moreover, the seal component may be locatedproximal from a sensitive distal end of the residual limb.

The entire liner body 12 may be configured, including the recess 16, forthe proximal seal component 14′.

FIG. 3 shows how the liner body may include a tapered thickness from thedistal end to the proximal end. For example, the distal end may have athickness 25 of 12-15 mm and taper in thickness 27 of 6-8 mm distallyadjacent the recess 16. The thickness 29 proximally adjacent the recess16 may be 4-6 mm with the thickness 31 tapering to the proximal end to athickness around 2.0-3.0 mm. The thickness of the liner providesadditional cushioning at the distal end, and easy roll-on/off at theproximal end when the liner is donned or doffed. Additional thickness isabout the recess to accommodate the seal component.

In an exemplary embodiment, FIGS. 4 and 5 show a seal component 14having both exterior and interior configurations 18, 32. The exteriorconfiguration 18 is arranged for engaging against a prosthetic socketwall, whereas the interior configuration is arranged for engaging theexterior surface ES of the liner body 12.

The seal component 14 includes a base portion 20 located at the distalportion of the seal component, and secures to the exterior surface EE ofthe recess 16. An interior surface 36 of the base portion 20 ispreferably anchored circumferentially to the exterior surface EE to apivot line 38. A seal wall 22 is located above the pivot line 38, andflexibly and movably extends relative to the liner body 12 and the baseportion 20.

The seal component 14 defines a lip 40 which extends above the baseportion 20 and parallel to the exterior surface EE of the liner body 12.The lip 40 is adhered to the liner exterior surface EE, and providesadditional retention of the seal component to the liner body. The lipmay be tapered so as to provide a gradual transition along the linerbody.

A gap 42 is formed between the lip 40 and a surface 44 of a distaloutwardly pitched portion 22 of the seal wall 24. The gap 42 enables theseal wall 24 to flexibly and movably extend relative to the liner body.The distal outwardly pitched portion 22 effectively forms a taper forthe seal component in order to facilitate donning of the suspensionliner in a prosthetic socket.

The seal wall 24 has exterior and interior surfaces 54, 56,corresponding respectively to the exterior and interior configurations18, 32. The exterior surface 54 carries a plurality of individualexterior radially extending seal rings 26, 28. These seal rings 26, 28are arranged to engage the interior socket wall, and expel air through avalve on the socket as the residual limb carrying the liner is steppedinto the socket. The seal rings form an airtight connection between theliner and the socket, and ensure secure suspension.

While two seal rings are shown in FIG. 4, the seal component may haveeither one or any number of seal rings as considered necessary to forman airtight connection with a socket.

According to FIG. 6, each of the seal rings 26, 28 includes a distalpitched section 50, a proximal pitched section 52, and a peak 48 locatedtherebetween. It will be understood that the seal rings may take anynumber of configurations, and are not limited to the variation depictedin FIG. 5. Indeed, the seal rings may be construed in the manner of anyone of the seal rings depicted and discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,304,120.For example, the pitched sections may have either a linear,cross-sectional profile, or a curved, cross-sectional profile. Furtheryet, the seal rings may take a variety of other cross-section profilessuch as in the form of a square or with rounded edges.

According to FIG. 5, the interior configuration 32 is formed along theinterior surface 56 of the seal wall 24, and is bounded by the distaloutwardly pitched portion 22 and a proximal inwardly pitched portion 30located at the uppermost end of the seal component 14. As with theoutwardly pitched portion 22, the inwardly pitched portion 30 acts as atransition to facilitate donning and doffing of the liner in a socket.

A plurality of blades 34 are located along the interior surface 56 ofthe seal wall 24, and the plurality of blades 34 extendcircumferentially about the seal wall 24. The blades compensate forvolume changes in the residual limb, by expanding and exerting pressureagainst an interior surface of the socket so as to improve suspension ofthe liner over known suspension liners with seals.

In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 5, the blade has a smallest width(direction of interior surface of seal wall toward the liner body) at adistal portion 60, and gradually increases across a central portion 58to a proximal portion 62. The taper allows for a smooth transition ofthe interior seal to the distal and proximal end portions, therebyavoiding any sharp edges and avoiding any pressure points that may causediscomfort to the residual limb.

The arrangement of the blade width may include other variations such asthe width of each of the blades tapering from a central portion 58 to adistal portion 60, and likewise from the central portion 58 to aproximal portion 62. In another variation, the blade width may besubstantially uniform from distal to proximal portions.

Each blade has a greatest thickness closest to the interior surface 56of the seal wall with a tapered thickness 46 as the blade extends towardthe liner body. This configuration strengthens the blade at itsinterface with the seal wall as well as reduces any possible pressurepoints.

In the variation shown in FIG. 5, each of the blades is arranged at anoblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis A-A of the liner. Thisarrangement permits the blades to expand outwardly as the liner isdonned onto the residual limb and fold down toward the seal wall withsome overlap over each of the blades as the liner is doffed. The bladesare also arranged at an angle so as to ensure that each blade folds in aproper predetermined direction so as to avoid the creation of anypressure points.

According to one variation, the blades extend at an angle approximatelyat 27 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the liner body. Thisangle, among other angles as well, allows for the blades to be pressedinwards relative to the liner body when the liner is donned, and obtainsa proper balance of force required to draw the blades outwardly when theliner is withdrawn from the socket. Because the angle of the blades isarranged relative to the vertical axis of the liner and is combined withthe orientation of the ends of the blades which press against the linerbody, when a force is exerted to pull the liner out of a socket, theblades expand outwardly, which in turn creates extra pressure of theseal wall against the socket wall, thereby making it more difficult tolose suspension of the liner.

It will be noted that the blades are not limited to an obliquelyextending configuration, as explained in connection with FIG. 4, but theblades may be arranged in any number of configurations such as beingeither generally parallel or perpendicular relative to the longitudinalaxis A-A of the liner.

The seal component is preferably formed as a separate element from theliner body, and is securely attached thereto by appropriate bondingtechniques that may include adhesive, heat seal, etc. The seal componentmay be constructed from a variety of materials, such as polymers,rubbers, coated textiles or any other suitable material. According tothe embodiments, the seal component is constructed from a siliconecomposition.

While the seal component is described and depicted at the distal endportion of the liner, the seal component may be placed at any particularlocation along the exterior surface ES of the liner body.

Turning to FIGS. 7A-7E, the liner 10 carrying the seal component 14 isshown worn on a residual limb RL and stepped into a prosthetic socket100. As the residual limb RL is placed into the socket 100, the sealcomponent 14 forms an airtight seal with an interior surface of thesocket 100 and urges air out of the distal end of the socket through adistally positioned expulsion valve 102. When it is desired to releasethe connection between the liner and the socket, the valve is released,and the residual limb can be removed from the socket.

When sealing against a socket, it should be kept in mind that the vacuumis formed between the seal and the distal end of the socket; no vacuumis created proximal of the socket between the liner and the socket.Moreover, the seal does not completely press against the socket wall, inthat only portions of the seal press against the socket wall. Forexample, the seal rings press against the socket wall, but portionsbetween the seal rings may not, and further may not touch the socketwall. Moreover, gaps between the blades may affect areas of the seal sothat at such areas the seal does not exert any or much pressure againstthe socket wall.

As shown in FIG. 8, the pressure is inversely proportional to thesuspension force needed, so as to ensure stability and rotationalcontrol. The seal component 14 forms a hypobaric sealing membrane thatconforms to the shape of the internal socket wall, providing an airtightseal between the suspension liner and the socket. The recess in theliner body allows for there to be even pressure around the seal in theconnection between the socket and liner. There is firm suspension,through the usage of the blades, to accommodate volume fluctuations ofthe residual limb.

Of course, it should be understood that not necessarily all objects oradvantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodimentof the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art willrecognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a mannerthat achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages astaught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantagesas may be taught or suggested herein.

The skilled artisan will recognize the interchangeability of variousdisclosed features. In addition to the variations described herein,other known equivalents for each feature can be mixed and matched by oneof ordinary skill in this art to construct suspension liners inaccordance with principles of the present invention.

Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certainexemplary embodiments and variations thereof, it therefore will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that the present inventionextends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to otheralternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obviousmodifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, it is intended that thescope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited bythe particular disclosed embodiments described above.

1. A seal component for a liner having an exterior surface and alongitudinal axis, comprising: a base portion located at a distalportion of the seal component, an interior surface of the base portionarranged to be anchored circumferentially to the exterior surface of theliner; a seal wall arranged to flexibly and movably extend relative to abody of the liner, the seal wall having a thickness; and at least twoseal rings radially and outwardly extending from the seal wall, eachseal ring of the at least two seal rings defining distal and proximalpitched sections extending to a peak.
 2. The seal component of claim 1,further comprising a distal outwardly pitched portion extendingobliquely away from the base portion relative to an axis of the sealcomponent, the axis of the seal component arranged coaxial with thelongitudinal axis of the liner.
 3. The seal component of claim 2,further comprising a lip extending from the base portion, the distaloutwardly pitched portion and the lip extend in different directionsfrom a pivot line.
 4. The seal component of claim 2, wherein the distaloutwardly pitched portion extends from a pivot line defined by the baseportion whereat the interior surface of the base portion arranged tosecure to the liner terminates.
 5. The seal component of claim 3,wherein the distal outwardly pitched portion and the lip define a gapsuch that a surface of the distal outwardly pitched portion faces asurface of the lip.
 6. The seal component of claim 3, wherein the distaloutwardly pitched portion and the lip are generally coextensive relativeto the axis of the seal component.
 7. The seal component of claim 2,wherein the distal outwardly pitched portion is subtended by a proximalend of the base portion and a distal portion of the seal wall.
 8. Theseal component of claim 1, wherein the seal wall is adapted to be spacedapart from the exterior surface of the liner.
 9. The seal component ofclaim 1, further comprising a proximal inwardly pitched portion at anuppermost end of the seal component extending obliquely toward the baseportion relative to an axis of the seal component.
 10. The sealcomponent of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of blades extendinginwardly toward an axis of the seal component from an interior surfaceof the seal wall, the axis of the seal component arranged coaxial withthe longitudinal axis of the liner.
 11. The seal component of claim 10,wherein the plurality of blades extend circumferentially from theinterior surface of the seal wall.
 12. The seal component of claim 10,wherein each blade of the plurality of blades has a smallest width at adistal portion and increases across a central portion to a proximalportion.
 13. The seal component of claim 10, wherein each blade of theplurality of blades has a thickness closest to the interior surface ofthe seal wall and tapers as the blade extends toward the axis of theseal component.
 14. The seal component of claim 13, wherein thethickness of the blade is greatest closest to the interior surface ofthe seal wall.
 15. The seal component of claim 10, wherein each of bladeof the plurality of blades is arranged at an oblique angle relative tothe axis of the seal component.
 16. A seal component for a liner havingan exterior surface and a longitudinal axis, comprising: a base portionlocated at a distal portion of the seal component, an interior surfaceof the base portion arranged to be anchored circumferentially to theexterior surface of the liner; a seal wall arranged to flexibly andmovably extend relative to a body of the liner, the seal wall having athickness; at least two seal rings radially and outwardly extending fromthe seal wall, each seal ring of the at least two seal rings definingdistal and proximal pitched sections extending to a peak; a distaloutwardly pitched portion extending obliquely away from the base portionrelative to an axis of the seal component, the axis of the sealcomponent arranged coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the liner; anda proximal inwardly pitched portion at an uppermost end of the sealcomponent extending obliquely toward the base portion relative to theaxis of the seal component; wherein the seal wall is subtended by aproximal end of the distal outwardly pitched portion and a distal end ofthe proximal inwardly pitched portion.
 17. The seal component of claim16, further comprising a lip extending from the base portion, the distaloutwardly pitched portion and the lip extend in different directionsfrom a pivot line.
 18. The seal component of claim 17, wherein thedistal outwardly pitched portion and the lip define a gap such that asurface of the distal outwardly pitched portion faces a surface of thelip, the distal outwardly pitched portion and the lip are generallycoextensive relative to the axis of the seal component.
 19. The sealcomponent of claim 16, further comprising a plurality of bladesextending inwardly toward the axis of the seal component from aninterior surface of the seal wall and confined between the proximal endof the distal outwardly pitched portion and the distal end of theproximal inwardly pitched portion.
 20. A seal component for a linerhaving an exterior surface and a longitudinal axis, comprising: a baseportion located at a distal portion of the seal component, an interiorsurface of the base portion arranged to be anchored circumferentially tothe exterior surface of the liner; a seal wall arranged to flexibly andmovably extend relative to a body of the liner, the seal wall having athickness; at least two seal rings radially and outwardly extending fromthe seal wall, each seal ring of the at least two seal rings definingdistal and proximal pitched sections extending to a peak; a distaloutwardly pitched portion extending obliquely away from the base portionrelative to an axis of the seal component, the axis of the sealcomponent arranged coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the liner; aproximal inwardly pitched portion at an uppermost end of the sealcomponent extending obliquely toward the base portion relative to theaxis of the seal component, wherein the seal wall is subtended by aproximal end of the distal outwardly pitched portion and a distal end ofthe proximal inwardly pitched portion; a plurality of blades extendinginwardly toward the axis of the seal component from an interior surfaceof the seal wall and confined between the proximal end of the distaloutwardly pitched portion and the distal end of the proximal inwardlypitched portion; and a lip extending from the base portion, the distaloutwardly pitched portion and the lip extend in different directionsfrom a pivot line, wherein the distal outwardly pitched portion and thelip define a gap such that a surface of the distal outwardly pitchedportion faces a surface of the lip, the distal outwardly pitched portionand the lip are generally coextensive relative to the axis of the sealcomponent.